Morris had been a finalist for the Arizona Cardinals' head coaching position, but the job ultimately went to Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur.
The veteran coach spent the past two seasons as the Atlanta Falcons' head coach after serving as the Rams' defensive coordinator from 2021 through 2023. During his time in Los Angeles, Morris was part of the staff that won Super Bowl LVI following the 2021 season. He also previously served as Atlanta's defensive coordinator during the 2020 season, giving him multiple stints leading NFL defenses.
Earlier in his career, Morris was the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009 to 2011. He was also a member of the Buccaneers' coaching staff when the franchise won Super Bowl XXXVII following the 2002 season.
With the hire, Morris becomes the fifth defensive coordinator for the 49ers in Santa Clara in as many seasons, following DeMeco Ryans, Steve Wilks, Nick Sorensen, and Saleh.
The 49ers reportedly interviewed three candidates for the defensive coordinator position. In addition to Morris, the team is believed to have spoken with internal candidate Gus Bradley, the assistant head coach, and Joe Woods, the Las Vegas Raiders' pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach.
Other NFC West coaching moves
Morris' arrival in San Francisco is not the only notable NFC West coaching development revealed Sunday. As noted, LaFleur is headed to Arizona to become the Cardinals' next head coach.
Additionally, the Seattle Seahawks—currently preparing to face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX—appear poised to lose their offensive coordinator. The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to hire Klint Kubiak as their new head coach.
Kubiak's departure removes him from the NFC West, a development that will likely be welcomed by some 49ers fans after watching Seattle eliminate San Francisco from the postseason.
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